Tropical Storm Idalia

To the Florida Atlantic community,

Tropical Storm Idalia has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to become a hurricane as it approaches Florida’s west coast during the next few days. FAU’s service region is not in the current path of the storm.

However, it is likely that our area will receive inclement weather, including bands of rain with gusty winds that will likely South Florida both Tuesday and Wednesday. Please take this into account for any outdoor events occurring this week, any marine activities under the auspices of FAU, and travel to and from campuses.

The safety of FAU students, faculty, staff and visitors is always our top priority. The university’s Department of Emergency Management is constantly monitoring tropical conditions during hurricane season, which runs from June 1 – Nov. 30, and participates in coordination calls with state, county, and weather partners whenever a storm threatens Florida. 

In the event that a storm is forecast to directly impact our region, DEM and the FAU Emergency Operations Team would begin regular university-wide messaging using all communication channels, including the University status page (www.fau.edu/advisory), the FAU home page (www.fau.edu), the FAU hotline 1-888-8FAUOWL (832-8695), email, text, phone and local media outlets. If a storm does threaten our area, the National Hurricane Center will issue advisories, including watches and warnings.

Information on preparing for and responding to hurricanes, such as unit emergency planning, creating emergency kits, and FAU action guides on weather events, is available on the DEM website. To make sure you receive the latest information in the event of any emergency via phone or text message, verify your emergency contact information under the “How Do I Sign Up?” section of the FAU Alert web page.

I encourage everyone to download the Owl Ready app, which turns your phone into a mobile blue light and provides multiple ways to report a safety/security concern directly to FAU. Resident students on the Boca Raton and Jupiter campuses should review the University Housing Hurricane Guide. 

Finally, the current Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday extends through Friday, Sept. 8. For a list of qualifying items, visit www.floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep.

If you have questions, contract the Department of Emergency Management (em@fau.edu). 

Let’s Be Prepared, Be Safe, Be Owl Ready! 

Stacy Volnick, Ph.D.
President